About this Research Topic

Background

The intricate interplay between humans and animals has resulted in the emergence of numerous zoonotic pathogens with significant public health implications. Recent advances in genomics and phylogenetics have revolutionized our ability to trace the transmission and evolution of zoonotic pathogens and provide unprecedented insights into how these pathogens traverse landscapes and adapt over time. Understanding the intricate dynamics of zoonotic disease transmission is crucial for timely interventions and informed policy decisions.

This Research Topic aims to showcase cutting-edge research that leverages genomic data to elucidate the transmission and population dynamics of zoonotic pathogens and inform public health. By integrating geographical, environmental, and temporal dimensions, the goal is to uncover the complex interactions between humans, animals, and their environments over space and time. Papers in this series will address the history of zoonotic disease emergence, describe the spread and epidemiological characteristics of a pathogen, and decipher underlying genetic mechanisms that facilitate transmission. Ultimately, this collection of papers will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of zoonotic disease dynamics, guiding strategies for prevention, surveillance, and control of zoonotic diseases.

We invite researchers to contribute original research articles, reviews, and methodological papers that address various aspects of zoonotic disease transmission and population dynamics using genomic approaches. Contributors are encouraged to emphasize implications to public health, highlighting the significance of a One Health approach. Manuscripts should provide insights that enhance our understanding of zoonotic disease emergence, transmission pathways, cross-species transmission and potential intervention strategies. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Genomic epidemiology of zoonotic diseases across geographical regions.

• Interactions of zoonotic pathogens, reservoirs, and their environment.

• Integrative analyses combining genomic, ecological, and epidemiological data.

• Evolving zoonotic disease patterns within host populations over time.

• Field work and genomic surveillance studies investigating the persistence, circulation, and emergence of zoonotic pathogens across species.

Keywords: Zoonotic disease, Genomic epidemiology, Molecular epidemiology, Phylodynamic and phylogeographic analysis

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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